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Tourist Attractions in Palakkad |
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Tourist
Attractions in Palakkad
The various tourist attractions in Palakkad are Palakkad Fort,
Malampuzha, Kollengode, Lakkidi, Siruvani, Thrithala,
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nelliyampathy, Chittur
Gurumadam, Jain Temple of Jainimedu, Attappady and Silent
Valley National Park. |
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Malampuzha
Malampuzha, about 10 km from Palakkad is the famous
picnic spot. This place comprises of the dam and
beautifully landscaped gardens, and situated on the
lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are lush green
lawns in the garden, which are well laid-out with flower
beds, cool pools, fountains and pathways. A rock garden
and rose garden are also there. |
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The rose garden
has over a hundred varieties of the flowers. There is also an
aerial ropeway across the garden. This passenger ropeway is
first of its kind in South India. The dam and garden are
illuminated on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. On
the other days they are illuminated on request for a fee.
Boating and fishing facilities are also available at the dam.
Paddleboats, rowboats, water scooters and motorboats can also
be hired. A well maintained swimming pool, a fresh water
aquarium, a snake park, a children's park are also available
here. |
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Dhoni
Dhoni is situated about 15 kms. from Palakkad. It takes a
three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills to reach this
reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
Siruvani
Siruvani is located about 48 km from Palakkad. The reservoir
at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala government
to meet the drinking water requirements of the Coimbatore. The
gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical
of the Kerala and Tamil styles of architecture. Siruvani is
also home to certain tribes like the Mudugars and Irulars.
Lakkidi
Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan
Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the Tullal
(classical art form). The poet's house has been preserved as a
monument by the State Government.
Palakkad Fort
The Palakkad fort is the main tourist attraction in Palakkad.
This fort is made of granite and situated in the very heart of
the Palakkad town. This fort is one of the best preserved fort
in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. The
fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is
now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. |
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Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 110 km
from Palakkad. This wildlife sanctuary is spread across an
area of 285 square km. and home of rare wild animals. The
oldest teak tree, Kannimari is also found here. Boating or
cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam
Reservoir. |
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Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy, the fascinating hill station is situated at a
height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin
bends have to negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through
the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges.
Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about
one third of Palakkad. This hill station is the delightful
place of trekkers.
Chittur Gurumadam
Chittur Gurumadam is located on the banks of the River
Sokanasini, the destroyer of the sorrows. This place is a
memorial to the Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma
Ramayana, who spent his last days here. A srichakra, some of
the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a
few old manuscripts are exhibited here.
Jain Temple of Jainimedu
The Jain Temple of Jainimedu is situated on the Western
suburbs of the Palakkad town. This historic 32 feet long, 20
feet wide granite temple displays images of the Jain
Tirthankaras and Yakshinis. The region around the temple,
known as Jainimedu, is one of the few places in Kerala where
the vestiges of Jainism have survived.
Thrithala
Thrithala is known for its monuments and historic ruins. The
Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala on the
Chalissery road are the famous cultural monuments. The
Kattilmadam Temple, a small granite Buddhist monument on the
Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great archaeological
importance. This temple belongs to the 9th or 10th century AD.
The Paakkanaar memorial, that honours the Pariah saint, stands
near Thrithala Koottanad road. This is also the native place
of renowned writer and social reformer, V T Bhattathiripad.
Attappady
Attappady is a beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and
forests. Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists as
this is the habitat of many tribes like the Irulas and
Mudugars. The Malleeswaram peak is worshipped as the gigantic
Sivalinga by the tribels who also celebrate the Sivarathri
festival with great gusto.
Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley National Park covers an area of 89.52 square
km. This national park is believed to be the sole surviving
bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity
of the Silent Valley Forest is that it is devoid even of the
chirping of the cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible only
up to Mukkali, nearly 24 km from the park. The rest of the way
has to be covered on the foot up to the source of Kunthipuzha
which flows through the valley before merging into River
Brahmaputra. More...
Kollengode
Kollengode or the abode of the blacksmiths enshrines the
pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. It is located about 19 km
from Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu temple and
the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting places
in Kollengode. Seethakundu and Govindamalai Hills nearby are
ideal for trekking. |
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